Changing Language and Opening Up Conversations: Educating Youth About Fentanyl and the Danger It Poses
In having and starting these conversations, Kala Bettis, the outreach operations Manager at Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, emphasized the importance of kids hearing the truth — no matter how scary — from a trusted adult.
“It’s important to tell our children the truth and if they’re old enough to ask the question, they’re old enough to receive that age-appropriate answer,” Bettis said. “It’s important to get ahead of what we know and what we see with culture today and what our children are exposed to via social media and on their phones. It’s best to learn it from a trusted adult, especially those that know them.”
This, she added, builds a rapport of trust and safety with kids as well.
“Being able to have honest conversations structured around health promotion is crucial for destigmatizing the shame of addiction, instead empowering those ready to make positive change,” Bettis said.
